Polar Bear Defence
Awareness & Firearms Familiarisation Course
Travel, tourism, and work in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are becoming increasingly popular. In some Arctic territories, regulations require or strongly recommend that those travelling into polar bear country carry a firearm for use against a potential bear encounter.
The deliberate shooting of a polar bear is prohibited. However, in circumstances where a bear presents an immediate and escalating threat to human life, the use of a firearm may be permitted as an absolute last resort, subject to the laws and regulations of the relevant territory.
Preparation for Arctic Travel
If you are planning an Arctic expedition, ice trek, remote-work assignment, or similar trip and require training, or simply require a refresher — our course provides practical firearms familiarisation in a controlled and fully supervised environment.
Using our estate rifles, candidates will receive hands-on instruction and supervised live-fire practice on a purpose-designed polar bear target. The training is intended to build familiarity and confidence with the equipment while introducing the principles of bear anatomy, behaviour, and appropriate shot placement from a variety of realistic positions.
Course Content
The course covers:
- Firearms safety and awareness
- Safe handling, loading and unloading
- Safety catch operation
- General firearms competence
- Understanding polar bear behaviour and awareness
- Basic polar bear anatomy - Principles of shot placement
- Shooting from realistic field positions
- Follow-up considerations and procedures
The emphasis throughout is on safety, awareness, responsible firearms handling, and preparedness for remote environments.
Certification
On successful completion of the course, candidates will receive an approved certificate, valid for the specified period and recognised by the relevant authorities in Northern Europe, subject to the requirements of the individual territory.
Candidates should always check the current legal and firearms requirements of their destination well in advance of travel, as regulations can vary between countries and territories.
Weekdays £360, Weekends £390, inc rifle hire, per person, per 3 hours. Ammunition is additional, please see below.
Please contact us for details, email here, or call 07970 752275.
Use of the Estate Rifle (not available for the DNS Course)
£10 per session, free to members
Ammunition
Target ammunition may be purchased for practice in .223 at £1.50 per round, .270 at £2.50 per round, 6.5cm & .308 at £2.00 per round, and 30-06 at £2.10 per round. Please enquire for other calibres.
Age Restrictions:
In line with current UK law, no one under the age of 14 may use a firearm. Those under 17 years old are not permitted to shoot with us, unless they are a current FAC holder, or a member of a Home Office-approved Club and are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian whose FAC contains the same firearm.
Cancellation Policy For A Paid Booking
If you cancel more than a week ahead of the booking we will refund you or you may reschedule. If you cancel within 2-7 days of the booking we will endeavour to re-sell your slot, and if we are successful we will refund you or you may reschedule. If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice the fees are forfeit and a new booking will be chargeable.
Cancellation Policy For An Unpaid Booking
More than a week ahead of the booking you may cancel or reschedule without charge. If you cancel within 2-7 days of the appointment the range fees applicable to that appointment will be charged. We will endeavour to re-sell your slot, and if we are successful we will refund you. If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice the range fees are chargeable.